Looking for a relaxing spot for lunch or dinner? Try the Village Gourmet. Located on Park Avenue a block from the Terrace, the Village Gourmet features classic American cuisine in a comfortable, bistro setting. Comfort and class are what you’ll see when you come in and sit in the dining room, with its great seating, warm wood décor and big windows giving you a view of the area. Regular customers tout the friendly and helpful wait staff. There is no bar but the adjoining store can offer a wide variety of wines and beers to enjoy with your meal. Or just bring your own bottle with you! Folks love the fresh bread and dips that come at each table, especially the pepper olive oil. And everyone will find a menu item to suit their palate.

The Village Gourmet
75 Park Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 438-9404
http://www.yelp.com/biz/village-gourmet-rutherford

Have you ever looked at something in a store and thought, “I could make that”? If you’re an aspiring DIY-er or you already love to make things at home, there are a large number of websites to help you find project inspiration. These clever DIY blogs are some of the best.

Martha Stewart’s The Crafts Department  
There’s no one better to take craft advice from than Martha Stewart herself, and her website’s craft page certainly won’t disappoint. Full of crafting ideas for hosting parties in your home, making jewelry to wear yourself or give as gifts, and even knitting and crocheting patterns, this beautiful website will leave you feeling motivated to make something of your own.

SheKnows
Dedicated to helping stay-at-home-moms or busy mothers “stay busy and creative”, SheKnows is a fun website with information about scrapbooking, sewing, and crafts for the whole family. Decorate your home for upcoming holidays, learn different sewing techniques, and even keep the kids busy with the creative projects you’ll find on this site.  

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/wicker furniture

The sweet tastes of a classic French bakery are at the Madeleine Café and Bakery. Founded by a woman with a dream of being a pastry chef, the Madeleine is more than a name, it’s a shell-shaped, spongy cookie that you will love. There are lots of Madeleine varieties here, so try a few and take some home! There are also many different specialties that are perfect for a relaxing breakfast. The lunch specialties are also tasty, and you can enjoy them all in Madeleine’s beautiful and relaxing café and lounge. Don’t miss out on the cupcakes, macaroons, cookies and shortbreads. Madeleine’s also caters events.

Madeleine Café and Bakery
11 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 933-2301
http://www.yelp.com/biz/madeleine-cafe-rutherford

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/lamantin